Johnson was an outstanding bowler over four decades, first in his native Tacoma, Wash., later in Chicago and then in Minneapolis where he lived since the early 1960s. Johnson was recruited by Buddy Bomar to move from Tacoma to Chicago and bowl with Bomar's Falstaff Beer team. Later, he performed with other great Chicago teams before moving to the Twin Cities for a stint in the National Bowling League. Johnson won three eagles in USBC Open Championships competition and had four other top 10 finishes.